School briefs: Century College hosts 23rd annual Jazz Festival Jan. 28-29

Century College will host trumpet player Roger Ingram and the 17-piece Century Jazz Ensemble on Jan. 28 and 29 in Century's 23rd annual Jazz Festival.

The event will take place at the West Campus Theater beginning at 8 p.m. on Jan. 28 and 3 p.m. on Jan. 29.

Both performances will have receptions that feature complimentary wine, cheese, dessert and a performance by the Joel Shapira Quartet.

The receptions will begin an hour and 15 minutes before the performances. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Proceeds will support Century College student scholarships.

High school musical wins state recognition White Bear Lake Area High School's theater department was honored by the Hennepin Theater Trust's SpotLight Music Theater Program for its fall musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The program honors high school musicals that work to develop young Minnesota talent.

The school received Outstanding Overall Performance and Outstanding Overall Production ratings for the musical.

Dylan Rugh (J. Pierrepont Finch) and Emily Nies (Rosemary) were honored with Outstanding Leading Role awards.

Maddy McLevish-Hughs, who played Smitty, and Jon Woodruff, who played Bud Frump, were honored with Outstanding Supporting Role awards.

They are all now eligible to compete for the organization's Triple Threat Award.

"I am inspired every day by the production staff, volunteers and students involved in the White Bear Lake Area High School musicals," said Wendy Suoja, the school's theater director. "These adults and students are not only dedicated, hardworking and talented people, but they personify a care and compassion that is truly unique. It has been fun watching the supportive celebrations of success throughout the family of volunteers, parents, cast and crew."

Nominations sought for outstanding citizens Century College, along with the White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi educational foundations, are accepting nominations for the 2012 J. Stanley and Doris Hill Legacy Award.

The award honors a local citizen who has devoted a lifetime of outstanding volunteer service to his or her community. For information, visit www.wblaef.org.

LILA to host Chinese New Year celebration Lakes International Language Academy will celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 24.

In September, the charter school added Chinese immersion to its curriculum, and LILA students will sing, dance and tell stories to celebrate the new year.

Last year's Year of the Rabbit was characterized by calm and tranquility. The Year of the Dragon should be marked by excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity.

DAAREL BURNETTE